Allegiant Stadium could be used as COVID-19 vaccination site

Allegiant Stadium could be used as a COVID-19 vaccination site once mass inoculations in Southern Nevada begin.

“It is a potential resource we can utilize if we need to, but nothing is definite,” Clark County spokesman Erik Pappa said.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation said the Raiders have been in discussions with officials about possibly using the 65,000-seat stadium for larger-scale rollout of vaccines.

The NFL urged teams to start a dialogue with local officials about the possibility.

“We have encouraged clubs to contact their state and local health departments to offer stadiums and practice facilities if practical to serve as site for vaccinating the general public,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said. “These will be decisions between the clubs and their local officials based on need, location and availability. We should have more information over the next several weeks.”

This is the latest step in the NFL’s efforts to make public use of team facilities during the pandemic, with most NFL stadiums closed off to fans this season.

The latest example occurred in the fall, when about half of the NFL’s 32 clubs used their stadiums or facilities for election-related activities, including early voting and Election Day polling sites.

“More than 65,000 voters cast ballots at NFL sites,” McCarthy said. “All teams offered, but use was contingent upon local need and regulations.”

Allegiant Stadium was an option for Clark County during election season, but county officials determined its was not needed.

The NFL has been in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, offering its support to promote vaccinations, McCarthy said.

“It’s about helping people in our communities,” he said.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.